BushlandNewsletter

SUM

MER

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1300 722 542randwick.nsw.gov.au

Fruit body: Expands from a light cinnamon, slightly pointed ‘egg’. Has two layers: the outer layer, or ‘rays’ (exoperidium); and an endoperidium, the ‘ball’ that holds the spores. Up to 7 cm wide.

Exoperidium: The thick outer layer of the egg splits into about eight rays, which curl back to form a ‘star’ and reveal the endoperidium. When very mature the rays curl so far backwards they split horizontally to form a saucer or collar around the endoperidium.

Endoperidium: Light brown, with a hint of red, papery thin dull circular ball containing spores. Has a small finely pleated raised pore (ostiole) through

which the spores are released.

Spores: Dark brown, globose, spiny, 5 μm diameter.

Habitat: Gregarious.

Season: Summer to autumn.

Comments: Common. Cosmopolitan. Widespread. One of the largest earth stars. The large sturdy build, cup-like remnants under the spore case (endoperidium), and cinnamon/light to mid-brown colours make this a very distinctive and easily recognised species.

Information sourced from A Guide to the Common Fungi of Coastal New South Wales by the Department of Primary Industries.

On the go with DanWelcome to summer. You know what that means: warm weather and water, time with the family and a January break from bushcare.

Many of you will be well aware of my passion for hiking and the outdoors. That’s why I have decided to use this issue to showcase the benefits of hiking as well as recommending some of my favourite books, podcasts and documentaries on the topic. It isn’t all about hiking though! We still have time to recap recent events, discover a common fungi and learn about a whacky insect.

Dan Randwick City Council Bushcare Officer

Earth stars are common and easily recognised fungi.

Geastrum triplex Collared Earth Star

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This year walkers were treated to a magnificent display of native wildflowers at two different locations: Kamay Botany Bay National Park in La Perouse and Malabar Headland National Park in Malabar. Each location offered something slightly different with a mixture of coastal views, historical sites and native plant species.

Local plant expert Danny Hirschfeld kept walkers entertained with his extensive plant knowledge and dry sense of humour. Participants learnt about some of the threatening processes that can harm native

bushland (weed invasion, exotic animals, development, soil disturbance, illegal dumping) as well as tips to implement in the home garden and while bushwalking (planting of indigenous species, weed control, responsible pet management). Both walks traversed sections that included Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, a critically endangered ecological plant community.

The flowers on display at La Perouse were particularly spectacular with some of the highlights including: Chloanthes stoechadis, Epacris longiflora, Correa reflexa, Pultenaea daphnoides, Dillwynia floribunda,

Philotheca buxifolia, Eriostemon australasius, Bossiaea scolopendria and Hardenbergia violacea. One plant that wasn’t looked upon so pleasantly was the aptly named Thin Stink Weed (Opercularia aspera) also commonly referred to a ‘fart bush’ due to its disagreeable aroma!

The exposed coastal location of Malabar Headland allowed walkers to view some of the hardy natives that thrive in windy, salt-laden and shallow soil environments. Some of the plants on show included: Carpobrotus glaucescens, Epacris tubifolia, Sprengelia incarnata, Leptospermum laevigatum, Pimelia linifolia and Conospermum ellipticum. Participants learnt about the adaptations these plants have that allow them to occur in such a harsh environment and the influence the salt laden winds have on their height and habit. While the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom, it’s a great time of year to get out and explore these beautiful locations that we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep.

Spring Wildflower Walks

Sprengelia incarnata.

Epacris longiflora.

Danny talking to walkers about Malabar Headland.

Beautiful coastline around Malabar Headland.

Looking through to Bare Island.

Pultenaea daphnoides.

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“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”

John Muir

One of the things I love most about hiking is just how simple it is. Find a route, put on some shoes and off you go. We are blessed in Sydney to have many beautiful urban walks as well as natural landscapes to explore only a stone’s throw away. It’s relatively easy to find a one hour walk or a multi-day option close by with only a little research and that makes hiking an activity for everyone. Whether you’re young or old, an expert or an amateur, there’s a trail out there that will be perfect for you.

In today’s world of modern technology it’s especially important for people to take a break, slow down and be present in nature. Luckily it seems that more people are beginning to realise this and take advantage of the restorative potential of our natural environment.

Nature offers one of the most reliable boosts to mental and physical well-being. Recent research from the University of East Anglia confirms what many nature-lovers already know: living close to nature and spending time outside has significant and wide-ranging health benefits. The research team studied data from 20 countries including the UK, US, Spain, France, Germany, Australia and Japan. The study revealed that exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress and high blood pressure. That’s all well and good but we don’t need science to prove this.

Spend some time outside immersed in nature and you will soon feel less stressed, restored, more aware of your surroundings and hopefully happy. Being out in nature, away from the chaos of our daily lives and technology, can allow us to connect with ourselves and nature in a way that brings peace and a sense of wellbeing.

While out in nature it’s important to consider our individual impact on the surrounding environment.

The most considerate way to do this is to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Leave No Trace is an internationally accepted way of minimising impacts on the places we visit.

You can do your bit by following these seven principles:

1. Plan ahead and prepare

2. T ravel and camp on durable surfaces

3. Dispose of waste properly

4. Leave what you find

5. Minimise campfire impacts

6. Respect wildlife

7. Be considerate of your hosts and other visitors

More detailed information on Leave No Trace can be found at - lnt.org.au

Epacris longiflora.

Leave No Trace

The Therapy of Hiking

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilised people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains

is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks

and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers,

but as fountains of life.” John Muir

Great North Walk, Berowra.

Norths Lookout, Katoomba.

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Secateurs and loppersSecateurs are the basic pruning tool. Buy a good-quality pair, because poor-quality secateurs won’t stay sharp and are likely to damage plants – just make sure they’re the right size for your hand. A basic pair of secateurs can cut a stem or branch up to 1cm thick. For thicker stems or branches you will need a pair of long-handled loppers or a pruning saw or bow saw. Loppers have larger blades than secateurs and the longer handles gives you more leverage.

Saws A pruning saw is great for working in an awkward, restricted area, especially from a ladder, while the larger bow saw is better for larger branches.

TrowelA trowel has a short handle and a small scooped, and pointed, blade and is used for weeding, planting and transplanting.

Dandelion/Daisy Weeder A simple tool that combines a fork with a pivoting mechanism for hand-removing weeds with a long taproot.

Shovel A shovel has a curved, scooped blade and is used for moving, lifting and turning soil.

Spade The blade of a spade is usually flatter and sharper than the blade of a shovel

and is often squared off at the bottom. A spade can be used to edge a garden, slice turf neatly, cut roots, or scrape soil or mulch off a flat surface such as a footpath or truck or ute bed.

HoeA hoe has a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle. It is used for aerating or mounding soil and for making rows. It can also be useful for weeding.

Garden forkA garden fork is used for loosening compacted soil, aerating small areas, lifting and dividing plants, digging weeds, incorporating compost into garden beds and dividing perennials. The tines are metal and tapered.

Sharp secateurs are useful for pruning small branches and cutting spent flowers.

Tools: The Dirty Dozen

Bow saws allow you to cut through larger branches.Pruning saws are great for those hard to reach places.

A hoe is a versatile tool suitable for aerating soil and making rows in vegetable beds.

The flat edge of a spade is ideal for garden edging.

Having the right tool can make a gardening job not just quicker and easier, but better. Below is a list of 12 of the best.

Trowels can be used for a multitude of jobs.

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RakesA garden rake has a long handle and short sturdy metal prongs and is used for levelling and grading soil, aerating the soil surface, and removing lumps, rocks and shallow-rooted weeds. For lighter chores such as raking leaves and gentle cultivation use a leaf rake. This rake can also be used for spreading mulch.

Wheelbarrow While not strictly a tool, a wheelbarrow is essential for moving compost, mulch and, of course, tools around the yard. It’s also good for taking prunings and other green garden waste to the compost bin. If you’re moving heavy loads, get a wheelbarrow made of steel rather than plastic. A two-wheeled

model is the most stable for heavy loads, although a single wheel can be easier to manoeuvre over rough ground.

GlovesAgain, not strictly a tool, but vital for keeping your hands clean as well as protecting them from blisters, thorns, bites and other damage.

HoseA hose is essential for watering in the garden. Hoses are usually made from rubber or vinyl. Rubber is more expensive, but is far more long-lasting than vinyl and much easier to work with. Make sure your hose is long enough to reach all parts of the garden.

The sharpest toolIf you buy good-quality tools and take care of them they will last for years. Store tools out of the weather and clean and dry tools before putting them away. Timber handles should be oiled regularly or they will dry out and the metal blades of saws and secateurs should be wiped with an oiled rag to prevent rust. Secateurs and other tools should be disinfected between tasks to reduce the chance of spreading disease. Use a sharpening stone to keep blades and the edges of spades and shovels sharp.

Gloves are important to protect your hands when gardening.

Garrden rakes can be used for grading soil.

Wheelbarrows are helpful for moving tools, soil, mulch or green waste.

Hoses are vital for watering newly established plants.

Randwick City Council Nursery Open DayThe nursery is open to the public from 9am until 3pm weekdays. Four times each year the nursery also opens on a Saturday. The next nursery open day will be on Saturday 7 December. Randwick City nursery stocks a large range of indigenous and native plants perfect for our sandy soils and coastal conditions. Horticultural staff will be on hand to assist you with plant selection, provide tips on sustainable and habitat gardening practices and answer other gardening enquiries.

Saturday 7 December 9am to 4pm 2B Barker Street, Kingsford

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BUSHCAREGROUP LOCATION DAY TIME DEC JAN FEB

Clovelly Bay Designated car parking spaces opposite 8 Eastbourne Ave, Clovelly

Friday 9 – 11am 13 - 14

Fred Hollows Reserve

Bligh Place entrance, Randwick Wednesday 9 – 1pm 11 - 12

Gordons Bay Access via UNSW Cliffbrook Campus Grounds, 45 Beach Street, Coogee

Sunday 9am – 1pm 8 - 9

Grant Reserve Vehicular entry to Coogee Surf Life Saving Club

Wednesday 8 – 10am 18 - 19

Ladies Pool McIvers Rock Baths, Grant Reserve, Coogee

Sunday and Thursday

8 – 10am 1 and 19 - 2 and 20

Lake Malabar End of Manwaring Avenue, Maroubra

Wednesday 12 – 3pm 18 - 19

Long Bay Foreshore Corner of Howe Street and Bay Parade, Malabar

Saturday 9am – 1pm 7 - 1

Maroubra Dunes South Maroubra SLSC car park Thursday 9am – 1pm 5 - 6

Prince Henry Alternate between opposite 2 Millard Drive and the corner of Jennifer and Harvey Streets, Little Bay

Saturday 9am – 1pm 14 - 8

Randwick Environment Park

Corner of Dooligah Avenue and Burragulung Street, Randwick

Wednesday and Saturday

9am – 12 noon

4 and 21 - 5 and 15

Wylies Baths At the picnic tables above Wylies Baths, Neptune Street, Coogee

Tuesday 9.30am – 11.30pm

10 only - 11 and 25

* Little Bay Landcare Between 119 and 121 Bilga Cresent, Malabar. Contact Kerry Gordon on (02) 9311 7647 for more information.

Saturday 8am – 12 noon

7 Contact Kerry

1

* Magic Point (Malabar Headland)

Contact Claire Bettington on (02) 9344 8589 for the meeting place.

Thursday 9am – 1pm 12, 19, 26 Contact Claire

13, 20, 27

* Malabar Headland West

Contact Don Kerr on (02) 9311 2665 for the meeting place.

Sunday 9am – 1pm 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Contact Don

2, 9, 16, 23

* Denotes non-council-run groups. Please contact organisers directly.

PARKCARE

GROUP LOCATION DAY TIME DEC JAN FEB

Alison Road Corner of Alison Road and Beach Street, Coogee

Wednesday 8 – 10am - - 26

Clyde Street Clyde Street Reserve, Randwick Saturday 1 – 3pm 21 - 15

Old Tramline Dudley Street entrance, Randwick

Thursday 8 –10am 12 - 13

Working bee calendar

Podcast and Book Recommendations

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Australian HikerBy Tim and Gill Savage

Australian Hiker was established in November 2016 with the goal of being an independent and knowledgeable source of information on hiking trails, gear and related advice. Its focus is on Australian trails, however, they do also review iconic overseas trails. Tim and Gill’s philosophy is based on providing first-hand advice based on what they have experienced, where they have hiked, what gear they have used and what they know.

The First 40 MilesBy Heather and Josh Legler

If you are new to backpacking, or if you’re hopelessly in love with

someone who wants you to love backpacking, then this podcast is for you. This husband and wife team delve into the essentials, how to lighten your load, and how to make the most of your time on the trail. Although this is from an American perspective, a lot of the information is highly relevant, especially for young families wanting to get their children interested in the outdoors. Although this podcast is no longer running, they still have over 200 episodes to listen to.

100 Days of SolitudeDocumentary by Jose Diaz

Emulating historical writers and adventurers, Jose Diaz, a Spanish photographer embarks on a unique adventure to live for 100 days in a cabin in the mountains of Redes Natural Park (Asturias) connecting to nature and documenting the beauty of his surroundings. Being largely self-sufficient and in solitude, Diaz shows that this simple way of life is still possible in our frantic world. His aim to live in harmony with nature is put

to the test as he tries to maintain his mental faculties without being carried away by loneliness and isolation. His craft as a photographer is clearly evident through the beautiful scenes and natural landscapes he captures. This documentary is currently available on Netflix.

Into the WildBy Jon Krakauer

Into the Wild examines the true story of Chris McCandless, a young man from a well-to-do family who in April 1992, hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mount Denali. He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his other possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. Four months later, a party of moose hunters found his decomposed body. How McCandless came to die is the unforgettable story of Into the Wild.

Jon Krakauer explores the obsession which leads some people

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Bushland Management Unit192 Storey StreetMaroubra NSW 2035bushcare@randwick.nsw.gov.auSupervisor Bushland 9093 6683Bushland Officer 9093 6687/6708

Community Nursery2B Barker Street Kingsford NSW 20319093 6250Opening hoursMonday to Friday | 9am-3pm

to explore the outer limits of self, leave civilisation behind and seek enlightenment through solitude and contact with nature. A 2007 film adaptation of Into the Wild was also produced.

WaldenBy Henry David Thoreau

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavours to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

In 1845, Thoreau moved to a cabin that he built with his own hands on the shores of Walden Pond in Massachusetts. Shedding the trivial ties that he felt bound much of humanity, he reaped from the land both physically and mentally, and pursued truth in the quiet of nature. In Walden, he explains how separating oneself from the world of men can truly awaken the sleeping self. Thoreau believes that you have not truly existed until you adopt such a lifestyle – and only then can you re-enter society, as an enlightened being.

These simple but profound musings have inspired many to embrace his philosophy of individualism and love of nature. More than a century and a half later, his message is timelier than ever.

“We need the tonic of wildness…At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”

1001 Walks You Must Experience Before You DieBy Barry Stone

A perfect guide to the world’s most exhilarating walks. The ever-increasing passion for recreational walking is given fresh impetus with the creation of each new national park and wilderness area, the construction of every new walkway and the clearing of another trail. The growth in popularity of pathways and woodland walks, and the conversion of canal banks and disused railways around the world to mixed-use walk-and cycle-ways, means we now have unprecedented access to our cities and to ever-increasing tracts of our rural heritage.

The diverse and carefully chosen routes range from the rugged delights of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path in Wales to the lush wilderness of Jamaica and the Harz Witches’ Trail high in the German mountains. The hand-picked excursions include overland paths, urban trails, mountain passes, coastal and shoreline strolls, and walks that explore the heritage of the world’s most culturally rich destinations. There are gentle walks for beginners – some lasting barely an hour – and more demanding challenges for seasoned enthusiasts that will take months to achieve.

Every page provides a wealth of information about a must-try walk, including start and end points, overall distance, difficulty rating, terrain and an estimate of the time it should take to complete, along with links to specially commissioned digital route maps. In short, this book is an essential reference guide for all those who love to get out of their cars, get off their bikes and lace up their walking shoes.